Visit to the Mark District of Spain Grand Assembly – In Benidorm
 
February the 2nd saw the second visit to Benidorm for the intrepid explorers of West Lancashire Mark. This was a Thursday, and we were returning on Tuesday the 7th, so there was plenty of time to have a little fun and celebration. The fearless travellers were led by our very own Provincial Grand Master, Keith Beardmore, and his wife June, Geoffrey Lee and Marion, along with Giles Berkley and Sandra, with Eric Drinkwater and Tegwen, who had kindly made all the travel arrangements. 
We set off in a minibus without any suspension, and after picking everyone up on the way, arrived at Manchester airport, suitably shaken, but not stirred. Having unloaded the plentiful items of luggage (yes our ladies were with us!) we found the first of our coffee stops at the airport. As we drank, Keith spotted a young man who he thought resembled a Mark brother from his own Mark Lodge – and of course it was, Craig Scott who was going to Benidorm for a 50th celebration (not his) with his lovely partner Lisa. Same flight, same dates – what are the odds??  Having failed to get Craig to settle our bill, we departed for the flight.  
A couple of hours later, we arrived in Benidorm after dark, and were hurriedly found a place in the hotel Melia restaurant. After some local wine, and a little food, which was not really needed late at night, we retired to our rooms. 
Breakfast was a real pleasure, and then we went touring Benidorm, the old town, and of course many, many shops (yes, our ladies were with us). Of course, the brethren were not entirely immune to the very reasonable leather goods – Giles bought a wallet for 10 euros – not bad for a Tommy Hilgiffer! We managed to find an outdoor restaurant for dinner, which was really very cold, but the food was good.
The day of the assembly arrived, and we were across town at the Grand Bali hotel before 10am, ladies with us, as they were going on a day trip to a nougat factory, and a meal overlooking the harbour. The brethren assembled in the large venue, meeting many old friends, and some new ones. The assembly itself was conducted mainly in English, with a little Spanish thrown in for good measure. After the appointments and promotions, Barrie Mansell, District Grand Master, invited us all to take our places at dinner.
And what a feast it was. There were really only 7 starting courses……from scallops to salmon, chicken to beef, bread, cheese and olive oil.  Then sorbet to cleanse our palates for the main course! Veal or sole, and then, if you could fit anything else, a 3 chocolate dessert or fresh fruit. During the meal, there was somewhat of an international diplomatic incident, when Spanish brethren attempted to get rid of some of the highest ranking brethren from West Lancs, by drowning them with wine, red and white, and plentiful. Altogether, a splendid meeting, superbly hosted by our Spanish brethren.
On Sunday, we relaxed with our friends from Yorkshire, PGM Bob Clancy and his wife Rose, with their friends, on their marvellous balcony. Bob and Keith have been PGMs together for 8 years now, and are firm friends. The hospitality was superb again, and who knew that Rose could sing every word of Hotel California perfectly? We found a wonderful sea-front restaurant for another top class meal before the afternoon finished, and sunbathed our way to a tropical tan top-up. Then off to the Benidorm Palace for a truly spectacular show, with dancing, singing, magic, and a laser light show which was amazing.
Monday sadly saw the end of the sunshine, and we were engulfed in rain. We were however allowed to withstand the fury of the overwhelming waters, and the ladies took us shopping! Again, yes again…………..but on entering into the very large and very clean shopping complex, the men spotted a coffee shop, and sat down to wait for the ladies. Those of you who used to shop at C&A will be overjoyed to know that it still exists in Spain! 
Having exhausted our shopping budgets, our legs and our umbrellas, we returned to the hotel for the happy hour. This was literally an hour each night, when we could eat and drink all we wanted, free of charge. Quality wine, Prosecco, and even fine malt whisky were all available. Also water (although we didn’t risk that!) The food was also nice, with some desserts and cakes being the highlight for the ladies. Then we went out to a restaurant!
 
Tuesday found us up early, in the light rain, to catch the coach back to the airport, having been led by Keith & June on another wonderful Mark adventure. I recommend it highly to you for next year! 
 
Story by Giles, pictures from all the travellers